Delicious and Irresistible Grilled Catfish for a Hotpot Party at Home

How to Prepare Grilled Carp with Fermented Rice

• 1

  Prepare the Carp

  Fresh carp bought from the market should be scaled and gutted to remove the internal organs and gills, then rinse the fish with coarse salt and water until clean.

  Proceed to fillet the carp, taking two parts of the fish body, while chopping the head and bones into pieces to later use for making broth.

  For the filleted fish, slice it thinly or about 1cm thick depending on your preference. The thinner the fish slices, the faster they will cook when dipped in the broth.

  Marinate the fish fillets with spices including 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 teaspoons of monosodium glutamate, and 2 teaspoons of ground pepper, mixing well to allow the fish to absorb the flavors.

  Tip: If you’re worried about the fishy smell, you can marinate it with 2 tablespoons of fried garlic or a little turmeric powder.

  

  

  

  
• 2

  Prepare Other Ingredients

  Clean the tomatoes, cut off the stem and slice them into wedges. Mince the chili, garlic, and shallots.

  For the fresh herbs, wash them thoroughly and drain them in a basket.

  

  
• 3

  Cook the broth

  Add the fish head and bones to the pot, then season with 1/2 tablespoon of salt, 1/2 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of monosodium glutamate, and 1/2 tablespoon of seasoning powder.

  Next, place a pan on the stove, add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil (can be replaced with pork fat for a richer aroma). When the oil is hot, add minced garlic, ginger, chili, and shallots to sauté until fragrant, then add the fermented rice, stirring until aromatic.

  Then, add the tomatoes and stir-fry until they start to soften, then add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and 200ml of water to the pan.

  Cook until the mixture boils, then pour the fermented rice mixture into the pot with the fish bones, add about 1 liter of water, and cook for about 20 – 25 minutes, adjusting the seasoning to taste.

  

  

  

  
• 4

  Enjoy

  You place the pot of broth on a mini gas stove or a single induction stove, heating it up while dipping each piece of fish fillet into the pot, waiting about 2 – 3 minutes for the fish to cook, then take it out to eat.

  The fish is tender, sweet, evenly absorbed with spices, the broth has a light sour taste and a fragrant aroma, adding some fresh vegetables to enjoy makes it incredibly delicious!

  This marinated fish fillet dish can be enjoyed as a hot pot with fresh noodles and dipped in chili fish sauce or wrapped in rice paper, dipping in mixed fish sauce is also very tasty.